Interactive electronic treatment assistance for benign prostatic hyperplasia and advanced prostate cancer

ABSTRACT

Computer-implemented methods for providing interactive electronic treatment assistance for benign prostatic hyperplasia and advanced prostate cancer are disclosed. The methods can include automatically sending, by a disease and disorder treatment device, an electronic pathway sign-up link to a smart mobile device. The method can include sending a plurality of inquiries about the BPH condition and/or the advanced prostate cancer condition, to the smart mobile device. The method can include receiving a plurality of patient responses from the smart mobile device. The method can include processing and storing the plurality of patient responses. The method can include providing, by the disease and disorder treatment device, patient education about various treatment therapies for advanced prostate cancer. The method can include automatically monitoring a patient having the advanced prostate cancer condition during the various treatment therapies. The method can include intervening with the various treatment therapies using the smart mobile device.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/642,300, filed on Mar. 13, 2018, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application pertains to the field of medicine, and moreparticularly, to methods and systems pertaining to interactive treatmentassistance for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and advanced prostatecancer.

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and advanced prostate cancer arecommon among the population at large, and cost significant health caredollars per year for treatment and diagnosis. The treatment processescan be prolonged with multiple office visits, trials of medications,testing, and advanced treatments. The processes can be arduous forpatient and provider.

Accordingly, a need remains for improved methods and systems forinteractively assisting patients in their treatment of these disordersand diseases. Embodiments of the inventive concept address these andother limitations in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram including a disease and disordertreatment device and a smart mobile device used in the assessment andtreatment of diseases and disorders in accordance with variousembodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram including details of the treatmentassistance logic section in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent inventive concept.

FIG. 1C illustrates a block diagram including details of the treatmentassistance mobile logic section in accordance with various embodimentsof the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 1D through 1J illustrate a block and flow diagram showing a firstinteractive treatment assistance phase related to BPH in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 1K through 1N illustrate a block and flow diagram showing a secondinteractive treatment assistance phase related to BPH in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 1O illustrates a block and flow diagram showing a third interactivetreatment assistance phase related to BPH in accordance with variousembodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 1P through 1S illustrate a block and flow diagram showing a fourthinteractive treatment assistance phase related to BPH in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block and flow diagram showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to advanced prostate cancer inaccordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block and flow diagram showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to metastases of advancedprostate cancer in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinventive concept.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block and flow diagram showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to bone therapy in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block and flow diagram showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to lymph node/soft tissue therapyin accordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block and flow diagram showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to visceral therapy in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system for interactive treatment assistance forbenign prostate hyperplasia and advanced prostate cancer in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept.

The foregoing and other features of the inventive concept will becomemore readily apparent from the following detailed description, whichproceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventiveconcept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In thefollowing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forthto enable a thorough understanding of the inventive concept. It shouldbe understood, however, that persons having ordinary skill in the artmay practice the inventive concept without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits,and networks have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first interactive treatment couldbe termed a second interactive treatment, and, similarly, a secondinteractive treatment could be termed a first interactive treatment,without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “coupled to,” or “connected to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, directly coupled to or directly connected to theother element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly connected to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

The terminology used in the description of the inventive concept hereinis for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used in thedescription of the inventive concept and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willalso be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram including system 100 having adisease and disorder treatment device 103 and a smart mobile device 105used in the treatment of BPH and advanced prostate cancer in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept. FIG. 1Billustrates a block diagram including details of a treatment assistancelogic section 113 of FIG. 1A in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present inventive concept. FIG. 1C illustrates a block diagramincluding details of a treatment assistance mobile logic section 125 ofFIG. 1A in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventiveconcept. FIGS. 1D through 1J illustrate a block and flow diagram showinga first interactive treatment assistance phase (i.e., phase 1) relatedto BPH in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventiveconcept. Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A through 1J.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a system 100 may include a disease and disordertreatment device 103 having a microprocessor 107, a securetransmitter/receiver 109 (i.e., transceiver), a treatment assistancelogic section 113, and a patient response storage 117. The securetransmitter/receiver 109 may send and receive information to and fromthe cloud 101. The secure transmitter/receiver 109 can becommunicatively coupled to the microprocessor 107 and/or to thetreatment assistance logic section 113 via a bus 111. The treatmentassistance logic section 113 can be communicatively coupled to themicroprocessor 107 and/or to the patient response storage 117 via a bus115. The patient response storage 117 can include volatile memory suchas dynamic random access memory (DRAM), non-volatile memory such as asolid state storage device (SSD) or flash memory, or a hard disk drivesuch as a magnetic disk drive. The microprocessor 107 can assist in theexecution of logic. The treatment assistance logic section 113 canprocess logic or provide assistance to the microprocessor 107 in theexecution thereof.

The system 100 may further include a smart mobile device 105 such as asmart phone, smart tablet, or notebook computer. The smart mobile device105 can include a microprocessor 131, a secure transmitter/receiver 119(i.e., transceiver), a treatment assistance mobile logic section 125, atouch-sensitive screen 121, and a patient response storage 129. Thesecure transmitter/receiver 119 may send and receive information to andfrom the cloud 101. The secure transmitter/receiver 119 may send andreceive information to and from the disease and disorder treatmentdevice 103. The secure transmitter/receiver 119 can be communicativelycoupled to the microprocessor 131 and/or to the treatment assistancemobile logic section 125 via a bus 123. The treatment assistance mobilelogic section 125 can be communicatively coupled to the microprocessor131 and/or to the patient response storage 129 via a bus 127. Thepatient response storage 129 can include volatile memory such as DRAM,non-volatile memory such as an SSD or flash memory, or a hard disk drivesuch as a magnetic disk drive. The microprocessor 131 can assist in theexecution of logic. The treatment assistance mobile logic section 125can process logic or provide assistance to the microprocessor 131 in theexecution thereof.

FIG. 1B shows additional details of the treatment assistance logicsection 113 including a patient query logic section 139, a patientinstruction logic section 141, a patient response processing logicsection 143, and a patient response storage interface logic section 145.FIG. 1C shows additional details of the treatment assistance mobilelogic section 125 including a patient query logic section 139, a patientinstruction logic section 141, a patient response processing logicsection 143, and a patient response storage interface logic section 145.The functions performed by these various logic sections are explained indetail below.

A first phase in the automated interactive treatment assistance for BPHcan include a number of steps. Referring to FIGS. 1D through 1J, aseries of interactive steps can be carried out with the patient. Betweeneach step, a patient response or affirmation can be received. The term“user affirmation” can refer, for example, to an acknowledgment from apatient. A “patient” is a patient that uses the system 100. Theacknowledgement can include, for example, entering or typing in a stringof text, clicking a button or icon displayed on a touch-sensitiveelectronic display using an instrument such as a computer mouse,selecting the button or icon on a touch-sensitive screen (e.g., 121 ofFIG. 1A), making a swiping or other gesture on a touch-sensitive screen,audibly indicating an acknowledgment through a microphone, or the like.The button or icon can include a textual acceptance indicator such as an“OK,” “Got it,” “Agreed,” or the like. Alternatively or in addition, thebutton or icon can include a graphical acceptance indicator such as a“thumbs up” sign. In some embodiments, a pure textual acceptanceindicator can be used, a pure graphical acceptance indicator can beused, or a combination of text and graphical indicators can be used. Insome embodiments, a scale from 1 to 10 can be used. The patient can beprevented from proceeding to the next step until the affirmation isreceived.

By signifying affirmation, the patient is more able and likely to retainthe information presented, and more likely to comprehend it. Inaddition, the affirmation can be saved in a storage medium such as thepatient response storage 117 of the treatment 103, and/or on the patientresponse storage 129 of the smart mobile device 105, as furtherdescribed below, which can provide legal protection for the healthcareprovider should the patient later claim that they were not made aware ofthe intricacies, risks, or procedures associated with the administeredmedical treatment.

The steps shown at 102A of FIG. 1D are preparatory for the interactiveassistance treatment that follows. For example, the BPH electronicpathway starts with an office visit. History and physical can beperformed and basic testing such as uroflow, post void residual,urinalysis, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and electrolytes may beconsidered. The patient can be counseled on a four-phase electronicpathway for treatment of BPH. When the patient leaves the office, thepatient can sign up for the BPH electronic pathway via an email or textsent by the healthcare provider inviting the patient to initiate thefour-phase treatment pathway. For example, at 102B, the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can send a BPH electronic pathway signup link 116 via email or textmessage to the smart mobile device 105. At 102C, the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can receive signup information 118 fromthe patient. Once logged on, a series of educational slides 122 aboutBPH can be presented to the patient at 102D. The educational slides 122can be sent by the disease and disorder treatment device 103 to thesmart mobile device 105. Alternatively or in addition, the treatmentassistance mobile logic section 125 of the smart mobile device 125 canstore cause the educational slides 122 to be displayed on thetouch-sensitive screen 121. Online resources including the educationalmaterial can be made available to the patient.

At 102E, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically send a reminder message124 regarding the importance of aerobic exercise, weight lifting,heart-healthy diet, and adequate sleep for improving BPH to the smartmobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121.Alternatively or in addition, the treatment assistance mobile logicsection 125 of the smart mobile device 105 can cause the remindermessage 124 to be displayed on the touch sensitive display 121. Themessage 124 can be sent a predefined number of days (e.g., day 2)measured from the initiation of phase 1 of the interactive assistancetreatment of BPH (e.g., measured from the time of receiving the sign-upinformation).

It will be understood that for all of the electronic interactions withthe patient described herein, either the disease and disorder treatmentdevice 103 or the smart mobile device 105, or both, can initiate theinteraction with the patient. In other words, messages can be sent fromthe disease and disorder treatment device 103 to the smart mobile device105 to be displayed. Alternatively, information already stored on thesmart mobile device 105 can cause messages to be displayed on thetouch-sensitive screen 121 of the smart mobile device 105. Responsesfrom the patient can be stored locally on the smart mobile device 105 inthe patient response storage unit 129.

Alternatively or in addition, responses from the patient can betransmitted, by the secure transceiver 119 of the smart mobile device105 to the transceiver 109 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 for storage in the patient response storage 117 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103. The disease and disorder treatment device103 can store and aggregate patient responses from a plurality ofpatients, and can communicate with a plurality of smart mobile devices105. While either the remote treatment assistance logic section 113 ofthe disease and disorder treatment device 103 or the local treatmentassistance mobile logic section 125 of the smart mobile device 105, orboth, can initiate and carry on the interactive communication with thepatient, for the most part the description contained herein will assumethat most interactions are initiated by the disease and disordertreatment device 103, carried out by the smart mobile device 105, andthen responses transmitted back to the disease and disorder treatmentdevice 103. For example, the main part of the description herein willassume that the patient query logic section 139, the patient instructionlogic section 141, the patient response processing logic section 143,and the patient response storage interface logic section 145 of thetreatment assistance logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 will initiate, process, and store some if not allof the interactive communications with the patient.

In alternative embodiments, some or all of the interactivecommunications described herein occur only as between the smart mobiledevice 103 and the patient, and are performed by the patient query logicsection 139, the patient instruction logic section 141, the patientresponse processing logic section 143, and the patient response storageinterface logic section 145 of the treatment assistance logic section125 of the smart mobile device 105. It will be understood that anysuitable combination of these components from either the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 or the smart mobile device 105, or both,may be used in the interactive communications with the patient.

At 102F, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically send an inquiry message132 regarding whether the patient has started an exercise program to thesmart mobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121.At 102G, the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallyreceive and process a response 134 of the patient from the smart mobiledevice 105. The message 132 and/or the response 134 can be sent apredefined number of days (e.g., day 7) from the initiation of phase 1of the interactive assistance treatment of BPH.

At 102H, the patient response processing logic section 143 canautomatically determine whether or not the patient response 134 isaffirmative. If YES, then at 102I, the treatment assistant logic section113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallysend a congratulatory message to the smart mobile device 105 for displayon the touch sensitive display 121. The message can include, forexample, “Great keep up the good work.” Otherwise, if NO, the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can automatically send an exhortation message to the smart mobiledevice 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121. The messagecan include, for example, the words “Getting starting is the hardestpart. There is no better time than now!”

At 102J, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically send an inquiry message142 regarding whether the patient is satisfied with the BPH symptoms(i.e., whether the BPH symptoms have satisfactorily subsided) to thesmart mobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121.At 102K, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically receive and process aresponse 144 of the patient from the smart mobile device 105. Themessage 142 and/or the response 144 can be sent a predefined number ofdays (e.g., day 14) from the initiation of phase 1 of the interactiveassistance treatment of ED. At 102L, the patient response processinglogic section 143 can automatically determine whether or not the patientresponse 144 is affirmative. If YES, then at 102M, the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can automatically send a congratulatory message to the smart mobiledevice 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121. Each timeafter sending a congratulatory message, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically check back with the patient every three months (or othersuitable period) to inquire about whether the patient is stillsatisfied. Otherwise, if NO, the treatment assistant logic section 113of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically sendan inquiry message 146 at 102N regarding whether the patient would liketo try a medication to the smart mobile device 105 for display on thetouch sensitive display 121. The treatment assistant logic section 113of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallyreceive and process a response 148 at 102D of the user patient from thesmart mobile device 105. The inquiry message 146 and/or the response 148can be sent a predefined number of days (e.g., day 14) from theinitiation of phase 1 of the interactive assistance treatment of BPH.

At 102P, the patient response processing logic section 143 canautomatically determine whether or not the patient response 148 isaffirmative. If YES, then at 102Q, the BPH electronic pathway cancontinue to phase 2 as illustrated in FIG. 1K. Otherwise, if NO, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically send an inquiry message 154regarding whether the patient would like an in-person appointment todiscuss further options to the smart mobile device 105 for display onthe touch sensitive display 121. At 102S, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically receive and process a response 156 of the user patientfrom the smart mobile device 105. The inquiry message 154 and/or theresponse 156 can be sent a predefined number of days (e.g., day 14) fromthe initiation of phase 1 of the interactive assistance treatment ofBPH.

At 102T, the patient response processing logic section 143 canautomatically determine whether or not the patient response 156 isaffirmative. If YES, then at 102U, then the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can facilitate the scheduling of an appointmentbetween the health care provider and the patient, after which the BPHelectronic pathway can continue with phase 2 in FIG. 1K. Otherwise, ifNO, then at 102V the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically send aninvitation message to the patient to call if any further questionsarise, after which the BPH electronic pathway can end.

FIGS. 1K through 1N illustrate a block and flow diagram showing a secondinteractive treatment assistance phase related to BPH in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present inventive concept. At 102W, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically send a reminder message 158regarding filling a prescription that was given to the patient at thelast office visit to the smart mobile device 105 for display on thetouch sensitive display 121. At 102X, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically send an inquiry message 162 regarding whether the patientis satisfied with the BPH symptoms (i.e., whether the BPH symptoms havesatisfactorily subsided) to the smart mobile device 105 for display onthe touch sensitive display 121. At 102Y, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically receive and process a response 164 of the user patientfrom the smart mobile device 105. The inquiry message 162 and/or theresponse 164 can be sent a predefined number of days (e.g., day 28) fromthe initiation of phase 1 of the interactive assistance treatment ofBPH.

At 102Z, the patient response processing logic section 143 canautomatically determine whether or not the patient response 164 isaffirmative. If YES, then at 104A, the treatment assistant logic section113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallysend a congratulatory message to the smart mobile device 105 for displayon the touch sensitive display 121. Otherwise, if NO, then the phase 2of the BPH electronic pathway can continue to 104B, where the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can automatically send an inquiry message 166 regarding whether thepatient would like to try a different medication to the smart mobiledevice 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121. At 104C, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically receive and process a response168 of the user patient from the smart mobile device 105. The inquirymessage 166 and/or the response 168 can be sent a predefined number ofdays (e.g., day 28) from the initiation of phase 1 of the interactiveassistance treatment of BPH.

At 104D, the patient response processing logic section 143 canautomatically determine whether or not the patient response 168 isaffirmative. If YES, then at 104E, the treatment assistant logic section113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can facilitate thefilling of the prescription for the different medication, andautomatically send a link explaining possible side effects to the smartmobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121.Otherwise, if NO, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically send aninquiry message at 104F whether the patient wishes to discuss furtheroptions. If YES, then at 104F2, the treatment assistant logic section113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can facilitate thescheduling of an appointment with the health care provider. Otherwise,if NO, then the BPH electronic pathway can end.

At 104G, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically send an inquiry message172 regarding whether the patient is satisfied with the BPH symptoms(i.e., whether the BPH symptoms have satisfactorily subsided) to thesmart mobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121.At 104H, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically receive and process aresponse 174 of the user patient from the smart mobile device 105. Theinquiry message 172 and/or the response 174 can be sent a predefinednumber of days (e.g., day 42) from the initiation of phase 1 of theinteractive assistance treatment of BPH.

At 104I, the patient response processing logic section 143 canautomatically determine whether or not the patient response 174 isaffirmative. If YES, then at 104J, the treatment assistant logic section113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can send acongratulatory message to the smart mobile device 105 for display on thetouch sensitive display 121. Otherwise, if NO, the treatment assistantlogic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically send an invitation message at 104K to schedule anappointment to discuss potential testing and other treatments to thesmart mobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121.Alternatively or in addition, the treatment assistant logic section 113of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can facilitate themaking of the appointment with the health care provider. The BPHelectronic pathway can then proceed to phase 3 as illustrated in FIG.1O.

FIG. 1O illustrates a block and flow diagram showing a third interactivetreatment assistance phase related to BPH in accordance with variousembodiments of the present inventive concept. At 104L, the health careprovider can perform testing such as cystoscopy, prostate ultrasound,and/or urodynamics. The BPH electronic pathway can then proceed to phase4 as illustrated in FIG. 1P for advanced treatments such as proceduresand surgeries.

FIGS. 1P through 1S illustrate a block and flow diagram showing a fourthinteractive treatment assistance phase related to BPH in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present inventive concept. At 104M, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically send an informational message 178including educational material pertaining to holmium laser eunucleationof the prostate to the smart mobile device 105 for display on the touchsensitive display 121. At 104N, the treatment assistant logic section113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallysend an informational message 182 including educational materialpertaining to holmium laser ablation of the prostate to the smart mobiledevice 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121. At 104O, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically send an informational message 184including educational material pertaining to holmium transurethralelectroevaporation of the prostate to the smart mobile device 105 fordisplay on the touch sensitive display 121. At 104P, the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can automatically send an informational message 186 includingeducational material pertaining to transurethral microwave thermotherapyof the prostate to the smart mobile device 105 for display on the touchsensitive display 121. At 104Q, the treatment assistant logic section113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallysend an informational message 188 including educational materialpertaining to transurethral needle ablation of the prostate to the smartmobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121. At104R, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically send an informationalmessage 192 including educational material pertaining to photoselectivevaporization of the prostate to the smart mobile device 105 for displayon the touch sensitive display 121.

At 104S, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically send an informationalmessage 194 including educational material pertaining to urolift to thesmart mobile device 105 for display on the touch sensitive display 121.At 104T, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease anddisorder treatment device 103 can automatically send an informationalmessage 196 including educational material pertaining to transurethralresection of the prostate to the smart mobile device 105 for display onthe touch sensitive display 121. At 104U, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically send an informational message 198 including educationalmaterial pertaining to rezum to the smart mobile device 105 for displayon the touch sensitive display 121. At 104V, the treatment assistantlogic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically send an informational message 199 including educationalmaterial pertaining to open or robotic assisted prostatectomy of theprostate to the smart mobile device 105 for display on the touchsensitive display 121.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block and flow diagram 200 showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to advanced prostate cancer inaccordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept.Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A through 1C, and FIG. 2.

The options for care, testing, and educational information for bothhealth care practitioners and patients are very complex. The disease anddisorder treatment device 103 (of FIG. 1A) and/or the mobile smartdevice 105 include treatment assistant logic (e.g., 113 and 125 of FIG.1A) can help the patient and healthcare provider by directing a cleartreatment pathway for advanced prostate cancer treatment. Thesetechniques provide the patient and the health care provider witheducation and an interactive environment in which the patient can beautomatically monitored, and intervention or action taken with regard toa specific phase of the disorder or disease. This includes side effectsof the various medications, importance of bone health, and availableclinical trials. In addition, user patient alerts can be generatedregarding daily supplements, dietary adjustments, and weight-bearingexercise. The healthcare provider can receive alerts regardingdiagnostic labs and imaging, appropriate treatment options, and/orclinical trials available. The treatment assistant logic (e.g., 113 and125 of FIG. 1A) is designed for a navigator to oversee the electronicpathway for an entire group or several groups of patients. The treatmentassistant logic (e.g., 113 and 125 of FIG. 1A) can contact patientsdirectly via an application that runs on the smart mobile device 103,email, text, or any suitable combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2, when a patient is diagnosed with advanced prostatecancer at 205, then androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can be initiatedat 208. At 202, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the diseaseand disorder treatment device 103 can automatically educate the patientat 204 by sending educational information to the smart mobile device 105for display on the touch-sensitive screen 121. At 206, the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can automatically monitor the ADT by receiving feedback and otherresponses of the patient from the smart mobile device 105. At 208, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically intervene when the patientexperiences symptoms or other adverse effects during the ADT treatment.

There are various kinds of characteristics associated with advancedprostate cancer. One characteristic is associated with a hormonesensitive form of the disease as shown at 210. The hormone sensitiveform of the disease may be non-metastatic 215 or metastatic 220. Ifcategorized as non-metastatic 215, the disease may be low volume 225 orhigh volume 230. Depending on specific characteristics associated withthe form of prostate cancer that a particular patient might have, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically tailor the electronic pathway foreducating, monitoring, and intervening on behalf of the patient.

For example, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the diseaseand disorder treatment device 103 can automatically provide educationalmaterial at 204 to the patient that is tailored to the specificcharacteristics of the particular form of prostate cancer that thepatient has. By way of another example, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically monitor the patient at 206 for symptoms and challengesassociated with the specific characteristics of the particular form ofprostate cancer that the patient has. By way of yet another example, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically intervene at 208 and makealterations to treatment or suggestions to take action for display onthe smart mobile device 105, depending on the results of the monitoring.

Another characteristic of advanced prostate cancer may be a hormonesensitive form of the disease as shown at 235. The hormone sensitiveform of the disease may be non-metastatic 240 or metastatic 245. Asexplained above, depending on specific characteristics associated withthe form of prostate cancer that a particular patient might have, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically tailor the electronic pathway foreducating, monitoring, and intervening on behalf of the patient.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block and flow diagram 300 showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to metastases of advancedprostate cancer in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinventive concept. At 305, a health care provider may determine theextent (if any) of metastases based, for example, on one or more imagingtests. Depending on specific characteristics associated with the form ofmetastases that a particular patient might be experiencing, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically tailor the electronic pathway foreducating, monitoring, and intervening on behalf of the patient. In thecase of non-metastatic prostate cancer as shown at 310, the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can automatically assist in the treatment by encouraging the patientto continue with ADT as shown at 315, and/or to facilitate theimplementation of other specific treatments such as Erleada™ 320 orXtandi® 325. In the case of metastatic prostate cancer as shown at 330,the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically assist in the implementation ofbone therapy 335, lymph nodes and/or soft tissue therapy 340, and/orvisceral therapy 345, as further described below.

For example, at 302, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically educate thepatient at 304 by sending educational information that is tailored tothe specific characteristics of the metastases to the smart mobiledevice 105 for display on the touch-sensitive screen 121. At 306, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically monitor the metastases byreceiving feedback and other responses of the patient from the smartmobile device 105. At 308, the treatment assistant logic section 113 ofthe disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallyintervene when the patient experiences symptoms or other adverse effectsduring the treatment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block and flow diagram 400 showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to bone therapy in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept. At 335, bonetherapy begins. Depending on specific characteristics associated withthe form of prostate cancer that the patient might be experiencing, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically tailor the electronic pathway foreducating, monitoring, and intervening on behalf of the patient. Thepatient may be experiencing no symptoms 405, minimal symptoms 430, orsome symptoms 490. In the case of no symptoms as shown at 405, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically assist in the treatment byfacilitating the implementation and monitoring of specific treatmentssuch as Provenge® 410, followed by Xtandi®/Zytiga® 415 if necessary,followed by Taxolere® 420 if necessary, followed by Cabazitaxel® 425 ifnecessary.

In the case of minimal symptoms as shown at 430, the treatment assistantlogic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically assist in the bone therapy 335 using one or more narcotics435 and/or one or more non-narcotics 465. In the case of using one ormore narcotics 435, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically assist inthe treatment by facilitating the implementation and monitoring ofspecific treatments such as Provenge® 440, followed by Xtandi®/Zytiga®445 if necessary, followed by Xofigo® 450 if necessary, followed byTaxolere® 455 if necessary, followed by Cabazitaxel® 460 if necessary.In the case of using one or more non-narcotics 465, the treatmentassistant logic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device103 can automatically assist in the treatment by facilitating theimplementation and monitoring of specific treatments such asXtandi®/Zytiga®470, followed by Xofigo® 475 if necessary, followed byTaxolere® 480 if necessary, followed by Cabazitaxel® 485 if necessary.

In the case of some symptoms as shown at 490, the treatment assistantlogic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically assist in the treatment by facilitating the implementationand monitoring of specific treatments such as Xtandi®/Zytiga® 492,followed by Xofigo® 494 if necessary, followed by Taxolere® 496 ifnecessary, followed by Cabazitaxel® 498 if necessary.

For example, at 402, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically educate thepatient at 404 by sending educational information that is tailored tothe specific characteristics of the bone therapy 335 to the smart mobiledevice 105 for display on the touch-sensitive screen 121. At 406, thetreatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically monitor the bone therapy 335 byreceiving feedback and other responses of the patient from the smartmobile device 105. At 408, the treatment assistant logic section 113 ofthe disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallyintervene when the patient experiences symptoms or other adverse effectsduring the treatment. The treatment assistant logic section 113 canassist the patient at each step during the bone therapy 335, such as byeducating, monitoring patient condition, facilitating new prescriptions,and intervening in the therapy when necessary to improve the chancesthat the patient survives.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block and flow diagram 500 showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to lymph node and/or soft tissuetherapy in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventiveconcept. At 340, lymph node and/or soft tissue therapy begins. Dependingon specific characteristics associated with the form of prostate cancerthat the patient might be experiencing, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically tailor the electronic pathway for educating, monitoring,and intervening on behalf of the patient. The patient may beexperiencing no or minimal symptoms 505, or some symptoms 530. In thecase of no or minimal symptoms as shown at 505, the treatment assistantlogic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically assist in the treatment by facilitating the implementationand monitoring of specific treatments such as Provenge® 510, followed byXtandi®/Zytiga® 515 if necessary, followed by Taxolere® 520 ifnecessary, followed by Cabazitaxel® 525 if necessary.

In the case of some symptoms as shown at 530, the treatment assistantlogic section 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically assist in the treatment by facilitating the implementationand monitoring of specific treatments such as Xtandi®/Zytiga® 535,followed by Taxolere® 540 if necessary, followed by Cabazitaxel® 545 ifnecessary.

For example, at 502, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically educate thepatient at 504 by sending educational information that is tailored tothe specific characteristics of the lymph node and/or soft tissuetherapy 340 to the smart mobile device 105 for display on thetouch-sensitive screen 121. At 506, the treatment assistant logicsection 113 of the disease and disorder treatment device 103 canautomatically monitor the lymph node and/or soft tissue therapy 340 byreceiving feedback and other responses of the patient from the smartmobile device 105. At 508, the treatment assistant logic section 113 ofthe disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallyintervene when the patient experiences symptoms or other adverse effectsduring the treatment. The treatment assistant logic section 113 canassist the patient at each step during the lymph node and/or soft tissuetherapy 340, such as by educating, monitoring patient condition,facilitating new prescriptions, and intervening in the therapy whennecessary to improve the chances that the patient survives.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block and flow diagram 600 showing an interactivetreatment assistance technique related to visceral therapy in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept. At 345,visceral therapy begins. Depending on specific characteristicsassociated with the form of prostate cancer that the patient might beexperiencing, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the diseaseand disorder treatment device 103 can automatically tailor theelectronic pathway for educating, monitoring, and intervening on behalfof the patient. At 605, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically assist inthe treatment by facilitating the implementation and monitoring ofspecific treatments such as Xtandi®/Zytiga® 605, followed by Taxolere®610 if necessary, followed by Cabazitaxel® 615 if necessary.

For example, at 602, the treatment assistant logic section 113 of thedisease and disorder treatment device 103 can automatically educate thepatient at 604 by sending educational information that is tailored tothe specific characteristics of the visceral therapy 345 to the smartmobile device 105 for display on the touch-sensitive screen 121. At 606,the treatment assistant logic section 113 of the disease and disordertreatment device 103 can automatically monitor the visceral therapy 345by receiving feedback and other responses of the patient from the smartmobile device 105. At 608, the treatment assistant logic section 113 ofthe disease and disorder treatment device 103 can automaticallyintervene when the patient experiences symptoms or other adverse effectsduring the treatment. The treatment assistant logic section 113 canassist the patient at each step during the visceral therapy 345, such asby educating, monitoring patient condition, facilitating newprescriptions, and intervening in the therapy when necessary to improvethe chances that the patient survives.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system for interactive pre-anesthetic screening inaccordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept.The system 700 can include a disease and disorder treatment device 705(e.g., 103). The disease and disorder treatment device 705 can include atreatment assistance logic section 710 (e.g., 113). The treatmentassistance logic section 710 can process and cause the informationdescribed in the various electronic pathways and phases discussed aboveto be displayed on an electronic display. For example, an electronicdisplay of a phone 725, smart phone 730, laptop computer 735, tablet740, computer terminal 745, and/or computer workstation 750 can displaythe information caused to be displayed by the treatment assistance logicsection 710. The information caused to be displayed by the treatmentassistance logic section 710 can be transmitted via the cloud 708.

The disease and disorder treatment device 705 can include a bus 712 anda patient response storage section 715 (e.g., 117). The treatmentassistance logic section 710 can provide a user interface with the userpatient via the cloud 708. The treatment assistance logic section 710can automatically receive user patient affirmations and other responses,and store such response information in the patient response storagesection 715 via the bus 712. The disease and disorder treatment device705 can include a secure transmitter/receiver 720 for securelytransmitting and receiving information to and from the user patient viathe cloud 708.

Embodiments are described herein, and illustrated in the drawings, interms of functional blocks, units and/or modules. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that these blocks, units and/or modules can bephysically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits such as logiccircuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits,memory elements, wiring connections, and the like, which may be formedusing semiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturingtechnologies. In the case of the blocks, units and/or modules beingimplemented by microprocessors or similar, they may be programmed usingsoftware (e.g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed hereinand may optionally be driven by firmware and/or software. Alternatively,each block, unit and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware,or as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions anda processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associatedcircuitry) to perform other functions. Also, each block, unit and/ormodule of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or moreinteracting and discrete blocks, units and/or modules without departingfrom the scope of the inventive concepts. Further, the blocks, unitsand/or modules of the embodiments may be physically combined into morecomplex blocks, units and/or modules without departing from the scope ofthe inventive concepts.

Some embodiments include a computer-implemented method for providinginteractive electronic treatment assistance for a benign prostatichyperplasia (BPH) condition. The method can include automaticallysending, by a disease and disorder treatment device, an electronicpathway sign-up link to a smart mobile device. The method can includereceiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, sign-upinformation from the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, aseries of educational slides about the BPH condition to the smart mobiledevice. The method can include presenting, by the smart mobile device,the series of educational slides. The method can include automaticallysending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, a remindermessage regarding aspects that are important for improving the BPHcondition, to the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, oneor more educational links about the BPH condition, to the smart mobiledevice. The method can include automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a plurality of inquiries about the BPHcondition, to the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, aplurality of patient responses to the plurality of inquiries about theBPH condition, from the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically processing, by the disease and disorder treatment device,the plurality of patient responses. The method can include automaticallystoring, by the disease and disorder treatment device, the plurality ofpatient responses.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically sending thereminder a first predefined number of days after receiving the sign-upinformation to the smart mobile device, wherein the reminder includesinformation about the importance of at least one of avoiding dietaryirritants or maintaining proper urinary habits. The method can includeautomatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, afirst inquiry message a second predefined number of days after receivingthe sign-up information to the smart mobile device, wherein the firstinquiry message regards whether symptoms associated with the BPHcondition have satisfactorily subsided.

The method can include automatically receiving, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a patient response regarding whether thesymptoms have satisfactorily subsided from the smart mobile device. Themethod can include automatically processing, by the disease and disordertreatment device, the patient response regarding whether the symptomshave satisfactorily subsided.

The method can include, responsive to the patient response regardingwhether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided being affirmative,automatically sending a first congratulatory message to the smart mobiledevice. The method can include responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided not beingaffirmative, automatically sending an exhortation message to the smartmobile device.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically sending, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, a second inquiry message athird predefined number of days after receiving the sign-up informationto the smart mobile device, wherein the second inquiry message regardswhether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided. The method caninclude automatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, a patient response regarding whether the symptoms havesatisfactorily subsided. The method can include automaticallyprocessing, by the disease and disorder treatment device, the patientresponse regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided.

In some embodiments, the method can include, responsive to the patientresponse regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsidedbeing affirmative, automatically sending a second congratulatory messageto the smart mobile device. The method can include responsive to thepatient response regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorilysubsided not being affirmative, automatically sending, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, a third inquiry message regarding whethera patient would like to try a medication. The method can includeautomatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, apatient response regarding whether the patient would like to try themedication from the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically processing, by the disease and disorder treatment device,the patient response regarding whether the patient would like to try themedication. The method can include, responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the patient would like to try the medication not beingaffirmative, automatically sending a fourth inquiry message regardingwhether the patient would like an in-person appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss the medication further. The method can includeautomatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, apatient response regarding whether the patient would like the in-personappointment with the health care provider to discuss the medicationfurther. The method can include automatically processing, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, the patient response regarding whetherthe patient would like the in-person appointment with the health careprovider to discuss the medication further.

In some embodiments, the method can include, responsive to the patientresponse regarding whether the patient would like the in-personappointment with the health care provider being affirmative,facilitating, by the disease and disorder treatment device, schedulingof the in-person appointment with the health care provider.

In some embodiments, the method can include, responsive to the patientresponse regarding whether the patient would like to try the medicationbeing affirmative, automatically sending a reminder message regardingfilling a prescription given to the patient at a last office visit withthe health care provider.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically sending, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, a fifth inquiry message afourth predefined number of days after receiving the sign-up informationto the smart mobile device, wherein the fifth inquiry message regardswhether the symptoms associated with the BPH condition havesatisfactorily subsided. The method can include automatically receiving,by the disease and disorder treatment device, a patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided. The methodcan include automatically processing, by the disease and disordertreatment device, the patient response regarding whether the symptomshave satisfactorily subsided.

In some embodiments, the method can include, responsive to the patientresponse regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsidedbeing affirmative, automatically sending a third congratulatory messageto the smart mobile device. The method can include, responsive to thepatient response regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorilysubsided not being affirmative, automatically sending, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, a sixth inquiry message regarding whetherthe patient would like to try a different medication. The method caninclude automatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, a patient response regarding whether the patient would like totry the different medication from the smart mobile device. The methodcan include automatically processing, by the disease and disordertreatment device, the patient response regarding whether the patientwould like to try the different medication. The method can include,responsive to the patient response regarding whether the patient wouldlike to try the different medication not being affirmative,automatically sending a seventh inquiry message regarding whether thepatient would like the in-person appointment with the health careprovider to discuss further options. The method can includeautomatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, apatient response regarding whether the patient would like the in-personappointment with the health care provider to discuss the furtheroptions. The method can include automatically processing, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, the patient response regarding whetherthe patient would like the in-person appointment with the health careprovider to discuss the further options.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically sending, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, an eighth inquiry message afifth predefined number of days after receiving the sign-up informationto the smart mobile device, wherein the eighth inquiry message regardswhether the symptoms associated with the BPH condition havesatisfactorily subsided. The method can include automatically receiving,by the disease and disorder treatment device, a patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided from thesmart mobile device. The method can include automatically processing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, the patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided.

In some embodiments, the method can include, responsive to the patientresponse regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsidedbeing affirmative, automatically sending a fourth congratulatory messageto the smart mobile device. The method can include responsive to thepatient response regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorilysubsided not being affirmative, automatically sending, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, a ninth inquiry message regarding whetherthe patient would like to schedule an appointment to discuss potentialtesting and other treatments to the smart mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically sending, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, a first informational messageincluding educational material pertaining to holmium laser eunucleationof the prostate to the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, asecond informational message including educational material pertainingto holmium laser ablation of the prostate to the smart mobile device.The method can include automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a third informational message includingeducational material pertaining to transurethral electroevaporation ofthe prostate to the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, afourth informational message including educational material pertainingto transurethral microwave thermotherapy to the smart mobile device. Themethod can include automatically sending, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a fifth informational message including educationalmaterial pertaining to transurethral needle ablation to the smart mobiledevice. The method can include automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a sixth informational message includingeducational material pertaining to photoselective vaporization to thesmart mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically sending, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, a seventh informationalmessage including educational material pertaining to transurethralresection of the prostate to the smart mobile device. The method caninclude automatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, a eighth informational message including educational materialpertaining to Rezum therapy to the smart mobile device.

In some embodiments, the first predefined number of days is 2, thesecond predefined number of days is 7 days, the third predefined numberof days is 14 days, the fourth predefined number of days is 28 days, andthe fifth predefined number of days is 42 days.

Some embodiments include a computer-implemented method for providinginteractive electronic treatment assistance for an advanced prostatecancer condition. The method can include automatically sending, by adisease and disorder treatment device, an electronic pathway sign-uplink to a smart mobile device. The method can include receiving, by thedisease and disorder treatment device, sign-up information from thesmart mobile device. The method can include automatically sending, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, a series of educationalslides about the advanced prostate cancer condition to the smart mobiledevice. The method can include presenting, by the smart mobile device,the series of educational slides. The method can include automaticallysending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, a plurality ofinquiries about the advanced prostate cancer condition, to the smartmobile device. The method can include receiving, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a plurality of patient responses to theplurality of inquiries about the advanced prostate cancer condition,from the smart mobile device. The method can include automaticallyprocessing, by the disease and disorder treatment device, the pluralityof patient responses. The method can include automatically storing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, the plurality of patientresponses.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically providing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, patient education aboutandrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) to the smart mobile device. Themethod can include automatically monitoring, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a patient having the advanced prostate cancercondition during the ADT therapy using the smart mobile device. Themethod can include automatically intervening, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, with the ADT therapy using the smart mobiledevice.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically providing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, patient education about bonetherapy to the smart mobile device. The method can include automaticallymonitoring, by the disease and disorder treatment device, a patienthaving the advanced prostate cancer condition during the bone therapyusing the smart mobile device. The method can include automaticallyintervening, by the disease and disorder treatment device, with the bonetherapy using the smart mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically providing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, patient education about lymphnode therapy to the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically monitoring, by the disease and disorder treatment device,a patient having the advanced prostate cancer condition during the lymphnode therapy using the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically intervening, by the disease and disorder treatment device,with the lymph node therapy using the smart mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method can include automatically providing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, patient education aboutvisceral therapy to the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically monitoring, by the disease and disorder treatment device,a patient having the advanced prostate cancer condition during thevisceral therapy using the smart mobile device. The method can includeautomatically intervening, by the disease and disorder treatment device,with the visceral therapy using the smart mobile device.

The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable machine or machines in which certain aspectsof the inventive concept can be implemented. Typically, the machine ormachines include a system bus to which is attached processors, memory,e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other statepreserving medium, storage devices, a video interface, and input/outputinterface ports. The machine or machines can be controlled, at least inpart, by input from conventional input devices, such as keyboards, mice,etc., as well as by directives received from another machine,interaction with a virtual reality (VR) environment, biometric feedback,or other input signal. As used herein, the term “machine” is intended tobroadly encompass a single machine, a virtual machine, or a system ofcommunicatively coupled machines, virtual machines, or devices operatingtogether. Exemplary machines include computing devices such as personalcomputers, workstations, servers, portable computers, handheld devices,telephones, tablets, etc., as well as transportation devices, such asprivate or public transportation, e.g., automobiles, trains, cabs, etc.

The machine or machines can include embedded controllers, such asprogrammable or non-programmable logic devices or arrays, ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), embedded computers, smart cards,and the like. The machine or machines can utilize one or moreconnections to one or more remote machines, such as through a networkinterface, modem, or other communicative coupling. Machines can beinterconnected by way of a physical and/or logical network, such as anintranet, the Internet, local area networks, wide area networks, etc.One skilled in the art will appreciate that network communication canutilize various wired and/or wireless short range or long range carriersand protocols, including radio frequency (RF), satellite, microwave,Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 545.11,Bluetooth®, optical, infrared, cable, laser, etc.

Embodiments of the inventive concept can be described by reference to orin conjunction with associated data including functions, procedures,data structures, application programs, etc. which when accessed by amachine results in the machine performing tasks or defining abstractdata types or low-level hardware contexts. Associated data can be storedin, for example, the volatile and/or non-volatile memory, e.g., RAM,ROM, etc., or in other storage devices and their associated storagemedia, including hard-drives, floppy-disks, optical storage, tapes,flash memory, memory sticks, digital video disks, biological storage,etc. Associated data can be delivered over transmission environments,including the physical and/or logical network, in the form of packets,serial data, parallel data, propagated signals, etc., and can be used ina compressed or encrypted format. Associated data can be used in adistributed environment, and stored locally and/or remotely for machineaccess.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the inventive conceptwith reference to illustrated embodiments, it will be recognized thatthe illustrated embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detailwithout departing from such principles, and can be combined in anydesired manner And although the foregoing discussion has focused onparticular embodiments, other configurations are contemplated. Inparticular, even though expressions such as “according to an embodimentof the invention” or the like are used herein, these phrases are meantto generally reference embodiment possibilities, and are not intended tolimit the inventive concept to particular embodiment configurations. Asused herein, these terms can reference the same or different embodimentsthat are combinable into other embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention may include a non-transitorymachine-readable medium comprising instructions executable by one ormore processors, the instructions comprising instructions to perform theelements of the embodiments as described herein.

Consequently, in view of the wide variety of permutations to theembodiments described herein, this detailed description and accompanyingmaterial is intended to be illustrative only, and should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the inventive concept. What is claimed as theinvention, therefore, is all such modifications as may come within thescope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for providinginteractive electronic treatment assistance for a benign prostatichyperplasia (BPH) condition, the method comprising: automaticallysending, by a disease and disorder treatment device, an electronicpathway sign-up link to a smart mobile device; receiving, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, sign-up information from the smart mobiledevice; automatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, a series of educational slides about the BPH condition to thesmart mobile device; presenting, by the smart mobile device, the seriesof educational slides; automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a reminder message regarding aspects that areimportant for improving the BPH condition, to the smart mobile device;automatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, oneor more educational links about the BPH condition, to the smart mobiledevice; automatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, a plurality of inquiries about the BPH condition, to the smartmobile device; automatically receiving, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a plurality of patient responses to the plurality ofinquiries about the BPH condition, from the smart mobile device;automatically processing, by the disease and disorder treatment device,the plurality of patient responses; and automatically storing, by thedisease and disorder treatment device, the plurality of patientresponses.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: automatically sending the reminder a first predefined numberof days after receiving the sign-up information to the smart mobiledevice, wherein the reminder includes information about the importanceof at least one of avoiding dietary irritants or maintaining properurinary habits; automatically sending, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a first inquiry message a second predefined number ofdays after receiving the sign-up information to the smart mobile device,wherein the first inquiry message regards whether symptoms associatedwith the BPH condition have satisfactorily subsided; automaticallyreceiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, a patientresponse regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsidedfrom the smart mobile device; automatically processing, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, the patient response regarding whetherthe symptoms have satisfactorily subsided; responsive to the patientresponse regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsidedbeing affirmative, automatically sending a first congratulatory messageto the smart mobile device; and responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided not beingaffirmative, automatically sending an exhortation message to the smartmobile device.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, furthercomprising: automatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, a second inquiry message a third predefined number of days afterreceiving the sign-up information to the smart mobile device, whereinthe second inquiry message regards whether the symptoms havesatisfactorily subsided; automatically receiving, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a patient response regarding whether thesymptoms have satisfactorily subsided; and automatically processing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, the patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising: responsiveto the patient response regarding whether the symptoms havesatisfactorily subsided being affirmative, automatically sending asecond congratulatory message to the smart mobile device; responsive tothe patient response regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorilysubsided not being affirmative, automatically sending, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, a third inquiry message regarding whethera patient would like to try a medication; automatically receiving, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, a patient response regardingwhether the patient would like to try the medication from the smartmobile device; automatically processing, by the disease and disordertreatment device, the patient response regarding whether the patientwould like to try the medication; responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the patient would like to try the medication not beingaffirmative, automatically sending a fourth inquiry message regardingwhether the patient would like an in-person appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss the medication further; automaticallyreceiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, a patientresponse regarding whether the patient would like the in-personappointment with the health care provider to discuss the medicationfurther; and automatically processing, by the disease and disordertreatment device, the patient response regarding whether the patientwould like the in-person appointment with the health care provider todiscuss the medication further.
 5. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 4, further comprising: responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the patient would like the in-person appointment withthe health care provider being affirmative, facilitating, by the diseaseand disorder treatment device, scheduling of the in-person appointmentwith the health care provider.
 6. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 5, further comprising: responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the patient would like to try the medication beingaffirmative, automatically sending a reminder message regarding fillinga prescription given to the patient at a last office visit with thehealth care provider.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6,further comprising: automatically sending, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a fifth inquiry message a fourth predefined number ofdays after receiving the sign-up information to the smart mobile device,wherein the fifth inquiry message regards whether the symptomsassociated with the BPH condition have satisfactorily subsided;automatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, apatient response regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorilysubsided; and automatically processing, by the disease and disordertreatment device, the patient response regarding whether the symptomshave satisfactorily subsided.
 8. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 7, further comprising: responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided beingaffirmative, automatically sending a third congratulatory message to thesmart mobile device; responsive to the patient response regardingwhether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided not being affirmative,automatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatment device, asixth inquiry message regarding whether the patient would like to try adifferent medication; automatically receiving, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a patient response regarding whether thepatient would like to try the different medication from the smart mobiledevice; automatically processing, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, the patient response regarding whether the patient would like totry the different medication; responsive to the patient responseregarding whether the patient would like to try the different medicationnot being affirmative, automatically sending a seventh inquiry messageregarding whether the patient would like the in-person appointment withthe health care provider to discuss further options; automaticallyreceiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, a patientresponse regarding whether the patient would like the in-personappointment with the health care provider to discuss the furtheroptions; and automatically processing, by the disease and disordertreatment device, the patient response regarding whether the patientwould like the in-person appointment with the health care provider todiscuss the further options.
 9. The computer-implemented method of claim8, further comprising: automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, an eighth inquiry message a fifth predefinednumber of days after receiving the sign-up information to the smartmobile device, wherein the eighth inquiry message regards whether thesymptoms associated with the BPH condition have satisfactorily subsided;automatically receiving, by the disease and disorder treatment device, apatient response regarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorilysubsided from the smart mobile device; and automatically processing, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, the patient responseregarding whether the symptoms have satisfactorily subsided.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising: responsiveto the patient response regarding whether the symptoms havesatisfactorily subsided being affirmative, automatically sending afourth congratulatory message to the smart mobile device; and responsiveto the patient response regarding whether the symptoms havesatisfactorily subsided not being affirmative, automatically sending, bythe disease and disorder treatment device, a ninth inquiry messageregarding whether the patient would like to schedule an appointment todiscuss potential testing and other treatments to the smart mobiledevice.
 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, furthercomprising: automatically sending, by the disease and disorder treatmentdevice, a first informational message including educational materialpertaining to holmium laser eunucleation of the prostate to the smartmobile device; automatically sending, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a second informational message including educationalmaterial pertaining to holmium laser ablation of the prostate to thesmart mobile device; automatically sending, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a third informational message including educationalmaterial pertaining to transurethral electroevaporation of the prostateto the smart mobile device; automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a fourth informational message includingeducational material pertaining to transurethral microwave thermotherapyto the smart mobile device; automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a fifth informational message includingeducational material pertaining to transurethral needle ablation to thesmart mobile device; and automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a sixth informational message includingeducational material pertaining to photoselective vaporization to thesmart mobile device.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11,further comprising: automatically sending, by the disease and disordertreatment device, a seventh informational message including educationalmaterial pertaining to transurethral resection of the prostate to thesmart mobile device; and automatically sending, by the disease anddisorder treatment device, a eighth informational message includingeducational material pertaining to Rezum therapy to the smart mobiledevice.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein: thefirst predefined number of days is 2; the second predefined number ofdays is 7 days; the third predefined number of days is 14 days; thefourth predefined number of days is 28 days; and the fifth predefinednumber of days is 42 days.